Tehran - Leveraging science, technology, and innovation can substantially reduce agricultural and food waste in Iran, experts said at a specialized meeting held at the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO).

 

The meeting, titled “Applying Technologies and Innovations to Reduce Agricultural Product Losses,” brought together senior officials, researchers, university academics, and technology specialists to review scientific, technological, and cultural dimensions of agricultural waste management.

 

Abolfazl Golshan Tafti, chair of the session, said the working group is focused on three core areas: advancing modern harvest and post-harvest technologies, developing smart and digital agricultural systems, and strengthening farmer training and outreach.

 

He noted that the adoption of simple, low-cost, and practical solutions could cut agricultural losses by as much as 50 percent. “Improving potato storage management and implementing regional pilot projects were also identified as immediate operational priorities.”

 

In a keynote address, Neda Maftoun-Azad, a faculty member at the Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, described agricultural waste as evidence of a gap between knowledge, technology, and value-chain management.

 

She outlined a wide spectrum of solutions, ranging from affordable tools, such as insect-proof nets, shade structures, pheromone traps, pre-cooling units, solar dryers, improved storage facilities, and modern packaging, to advanced technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twins.